SERRATED TUSSOCK EXTENSION PROJECT LAUNCHES IN INVERLEIGH
The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) is returning with a new community-driven initiative, this time targeting Inverleigh in Western Victoria, to support and empower landholders in the fight against the highly invasive serrated tussock grass.
This extension program marks a significant step forward in assisting landholders with on-ground advice and resources to manage infestations effectively.
The target area follows on from investment in the Barunah Plains and Shelford region over the past 18 months, and will ensure the region receives support for its farming assets. The program aims to increase awareness, improve landholder capacity, and ensure long-term management of serrated tussock before it becomes more established in the region.
Building on the success of previous programs in the region over the past decade, the Inverleigh project will cover approximately 125 parcels of land—spanning over 5,000 hectares of farmland and rural lifestyle properties, including key environmental features such as the Inverleigh Nature Conservation Reserve and surrounding waterways.
The program will also target infestations along roadsides, railway reserves, and public land within the project area, ensuring a coordinated and landscape-scale approach to weed control.
Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma), originally from South America, is a declared noxious weed in Victoria and has already infested over 250,000 hectares across the state. Known for its ability to displace native grasslands, reduce agricultural productivity, and increase fire risk, it poses a serious threat if left unmanaged. Scattered and medium-density infestations have already been identified in parts of Inverleigh and surrounding areas.
Landholders in Inverleigh will be offered free property inspections and can receive property-specific maps detailing any serrated tussock infestations found.
As part of the extension program, the VSTWP will provide:
- A project launch event and information session focused on serrated tussock identification and control.
- One-on-one technical advice tailored to the specific conditions of each property.
- A comprehensive information package including identification guides, seasonal control calendars, and long-term management strategies.
Ivan Carter, Extension Officer for the VSTWP, said the project comes at a vital time. “Some landholders in this region have been battling serrated tussock for years, while others may be unfamiliar with the plant. It can easily be mistaken for other grasses, but it spreads quickly and can severely degrade both productivity and biodiversity. Our aim is to provide property-specific support and raise awareness before it becomes a widespread issue in Inverleigh.”
Mr. Carter added, “Prevention and early intervention are the most effective strategies. This project is about working together to stop the spread before larger infestations take hold. We’ve already detected a number of small to medium patches—now is the time to act.”
The VSTWP is partnering with key stakeholders including the Leigh District Landcare Group, Golden Plains Shire Council, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, and the State Government of Victoria to promote best practice management, encourage voluntary action, and build community capacity in managing serrated tussock.
For further information or to book a property visit, please contact:
Ivan Carter
Extension Officer, Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party
Phone: 0422 605 953
Learn more at: www.serratedtussock.com
Image 1: Serrated tussock can reduce the stocking rate and value of agricultural land.
Image 2: Serrated tussock in seed, note the fine purple seeds, that can blow in the wind for upto 20kms.